Troops conducted the operation after being tipped off by civilians of the foraging and extortion activities of members of Guerilla Front 12, Sub-Regional Committee 5 in the area.

Two soldiers incurred minor wounds while casualties on communist rebels are yet to be determined.

Brig. Gen. Romeo Brawner, Jr., 103rd Bde Commander, said military troops will exhaust every means to rid Lanao del Sur of the enemy’s presence and influence. He encouraged local terrorists to surrender and avail of the government’s Enhanced Comprehensive Livelihood and Integration Program.

“People’s involvement and vigilance are crucial in proactive actions taken to address insurgency and terrorism in the area. This is well emphasized in the whole-of-nation approach pursuant to Executive Order No. 70,” said Lt. Gen. Cirilito Sobejana, commander of Western Mindanao Command.

“With more reasons we are convinced to engage and empower communities to take an active role in the realization of this holistic goal, but the armed forces will not be remiss in sustaining military actions to defeat terrorist groups in the area,” added Sobejana.